(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File). FILE - In this March 20, 2018, file photo, San Jose Sharks' Evander Kane waits for play to resume during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils in San Jose, Calif. The Sharks ...

The San Jose Sharks have signed pending free agent forward Evander Kane to a seven-year contract.More >>

The San Jose Sharks have signed pending free agent forward Evander Kane to a seven-year contract.More >>

(AP Photo/Isaac Brekken). Culinary Union members file into a university arena to vote on whether to authorize a strike Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in Las Vegas. A potential strike would affect 34 casino-hotels. A majority yes vote would not immediately aff...

Tens of thousands of casino employees could walk off the job for the first time in more than three decades after union members voted to authorize a strike at any time starting June 1.More >>

Tens of thousands of casino employees could walk off the job for the first time in more than three decades after union members voted to authorize a strike at any time starting June 1.More >>

Spokane Chiefs

The Spokane Chiefs built for the future on Thursday morning in Red Deer, Alta., selecting 12 players in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, including defenseman Graham Sward with the 17th overall pick.

Sward is a 6-foot-1, 163-pound blueliner from Abbotsford, B.C. He played last season with the Yale Hockey Academy Bantam Prep (CSSHL), scoring two goals and 16 assists in 26 games. He added one assist in two games up with Yale’s Midget Prep squad.

“He does a bit of everything really well,” added Moulton. “He makes smart decisions, always has his head on a swivel, plays with poise and has an edge to his game.”

In total, the Chiefs selected 12 players, including two goaltenders, four defensemen and six forwards. By home province/state, Alberta led the way with four Spokane picks, followed by Saskatchewan (3), B.C. (2), Manitoba (2) and Texas (1).

Spokane Chiefs’ 2018 WHL Bantam Draft Class

1st Round (17th Overall) – Graham Sward

Graham Sward (YHA)

Position: Defense

Hometown: Abbotsford, BC

Measurables: 6’1″, 163 lbs, shoots left

2017-18: Yale Hockey Academy Bantam Prep (CSSHL)

Stats: 2 goals, 16 assists, 18 points, 48 PIM in 26 GP

Scouting Report: (see above)

2nd Round (39th Overall) – Owen MacNeil

Position: Forward

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Measurables: 5’11″, 155 lbs, shoots left

2017-18: Calgary Royals (AMBHL)

Stats: 15 goals, 32 assists, 47 points in 35 GP

Scouting Report: “Owen is a good two-way player. He is a good skater and competes. Showed leadership ability as a captain.”

3rd Round (61st Overall) – Blake Swetlikoff

Position: Forward

Hometown: Regina, SK

Measurables: 5’10″, 166 lbs, shoots right

2017-18: Regina Monarchs (SBAAHL)

Stats: 32 goals, 40 assists, 72 points in 31 GP

Scouting Report: “Blake is a great skater. He is a skilled offensive player and shows good character.”

4th Round (75th Overall) – Devin Aubin

Position: Defense

Hometown: Falher, AB

Measurables: 5’7″, 153 lbs, shoots left

2017-18: Grande Prairie Storm (AMBHL)

Stats: 9 goals, 2 assists, 11 points in 19 GP

Scouting Report: “Devin plays tough and doesn’t shy away from bigger players. He positions himself well, is very mobile and moves the puck with ease.”

"It's an honor and a privilege to receive this award," said Central Valley head basketball coach Freddie Rehkow. "It's great for the Pacific Northwest to be recognized with this honor and accomplishment.

2018-05-20T05:33:46ZJames Paxton pitched a complete-game three-hitter and the Seattle Mariners took a 7-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night at Safeco Field. Paxton struck out eight and walked on, recording his second complete game of the season. He joins Cleveland’s Carlos Carrasco as the only pitchers in the Major Leagues with two complete games this season. This was his fifth straight start with at least six innings pitched and three or fewer runs al...

Penny, who led the nation in rushing at San Diego State last season, was the No. 27 overall selection in the draft, marking just the second time in the past six drafts that the Seahawks have taken a player in the first round.

Mariners star Robinson Cano was hit with an 80-game suspension on Tuesday after he violated Major League Baseball's drug policy. Cano's suspension drew different reactions from fans and players alike - including Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander.

by Chiefs Media Relations PORTLAND, Ore. - The Spokane Chiefs trailed the Portland Winterhawks with under a minute remaining in regulation in a win-or-go-home game five in the Rose City on Saturday night. Enter Nolan Reid. The 19-year-old defenseman, playing in his fifth career playoff game, snapped a wrist shot from the left point that found its way into the Winterhawks net, tying the game with 30 seconds left to force overtime. The Chiefs dominated much of the extra time before ...More >>

by Chiefs Media Relations PORTLAND, Ore. - The Spokane Chiefs trailed the Portland Winterhawks with under a minute remaining in regulation in a win-or-go-home game five in the Rose City on Saturday night. Enter Nolan Reid. The 19-year-old defenseman, playing in his fifth career playoff game, snapped a wrist shot from the left point that found its way into the Winterhawks net, tying the game with 30 seconds left to force overtime. The Chiefs dominated much of the extra time before ...More >>